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A look into Kelowna’s Gospel Mission’s Outreach team 24/12/2023
Every day Kelowna’s Gospel Mission’s Outreach team provides meals, hot beverages and water to people experiencing homelessness in our city.
The outreach team loads up their van and heads out into our community three times a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
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The outreach team loads up their van and heads out into our community three times a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Kelowna Gospel Mission helping homeless residents mark Christmas 24/01/2023
The Kelowna Gospel Mission is gearing up to help the less fortunate this Christmas.
Executive director Carmen Rempel says they have all sorts of cool things lined up over the holiday break.
“We’ve got lots going on. We’ve got gift bags – stockings for all the guys at the shelter – going out on Christmas Day," said an excited Rempel.
"We’ve got Karaoke at the shelter happening Christmas eve, we’ve got a big roast beef Christmas Eve, turkey dinner Christmas Day. There
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Executive director Carmen Rempel says they have all sorts of cool things lined up over the holiday break.
“We’ve got lots going on. We’ve got gift bags – stockings for all the guys at the shelter – going out on Christmas Day," said an excited Rempel.
"We’ve got Karaoke at the shelter happening Christmas eve, we’ve got a big roast beef Christmas Eve, turkey dinner Christmas Day. There

Extreme weather alert triggers warming bus roll-out in Kelowna 20/12/2023
An extreme weather alert has been issued for Kelowna and emergency warming locations have been opened across the city.
The City of Kelowna activated the cold weather protocols and warming bus when temperatures were forecast to fall below -10C overnight.
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The City of Kelowna activated the cold weather protocols and warming bus when temperatures were forecast to fall below -10C overnight.
Concerns for homeless population arise as cold snap rolls into the Okanagan 17/12/2023
Frigid temperatures on the way in parts of the Okanagan has service groups in Kelowna concerned about how the cold with affect the city’s homeless population.
“You can see they’re hurt, they’re sick and they’re scared,” said Carmen Rempel, executive director of the Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. “For those who are outside, we’re still providing tents, sleeping bags, little warmers for their hands and of course three meals a day.”
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“You can see they’re hurt, they’re sick and they’re scared,” said Carmen Rempel, executive director of the Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. “For those who are outside, we’re still providing tents, sleeping bags, little warmers for their hands and of course three meals a day.”
Interior Health responds to ‘call to action’ letter from homeless advocates 13/12/2023
Shelter providers across the southern interior formed a coalition a month ago, calling for immediate assistance.
Their community’s homeless crisis prompted them to write to Interior Health, BC Housing, and other levels of government.
“We are in the very early stages of our conversations but we’re hopeful,” said executive director Carmen Rempel from The Kelowna Gospel Mission.
“What we’ve been able to do is establish a line of communication between our coalition — those who wrote the letter — and the health authority in the region.”
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Their community’s homeless crisis prompted them to write to Interior Health, BC Housing, and other levels of government.
“We are in the very early stages of our conversations but we’re hopeful,” said executive director Carmen Rempel from The Kelowna Gospel Mission.
“What we’ve been able to do is establish a line of communication between our coalition — those who wrote the letter — and the health authority in the region.”

Kelowna's Gospel Mission's annual fundraiser celebrates huge victory 25/11/2023
Give yourselves a pat on the back Kelowna.
The Gospel Mission has reached its goal of raising $216,000 this week.
The annual 2022 match campaign provides funds to operate programming that serves people facing the challenges of homelessness.
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The Gospel Mission has reached its goal of raising $216,000 this week.
The annual 2022 match campaign provides funds to operate programming that serves people facing the challenges of homelessness.

https://www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/397839/Okanagan-Spirits-Craft-Distillery-helping-less-fortunate-this-holiday-season 24/11/2023
An Okanagan distillery is getting into the 'spirit' of Christmas.
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery in Vernon and Kelowna will kick off its annual Holiday Hot Meals campaign Nov. 24.
The distillery will donate three hot meals for every spirit advent calendar, or full-size bottle sold.
The Vernon-based, family-run distillery started the charitable initiative in 2019 in an effort to give back to those could use a lift during the holiday season.
The campaign is continuing to grow, thanks to the 'buy local' movement, which is alive and well in the Okanagan, says CEO Tyler Dyck.
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Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery in Vernon and Kelowna will kick off its annual Holiday Hot Meals campaign Nov. 24.
The distillery will donate three hot meals for every spirit advent calendar, or full-size bottle sold.
The Vernon-based, family-run distillery started the charitable initiative in 2019 in an effort to give back to those could use a lift during the holiday season.
The campaign is continuing to grow, thanks to the 'buy local' movement, which is alive and well in the Okanagan, says CEO Tyler Dyck.
Interior shelter operators meet with government and health officials after calling for change in open letter 19/11/2023
Providers of homeless shelters in Kamloops and the Okanagan got their chance to outline a litany of challenges they’re having this winter in a meeting with various levels of government and the Interior Health Authority.
The meeting came a couple of weeks after an open letter that expressed frustration with the lack of a clear plan for permanent solutions to homelessness and addiction was sent to mayors, councils, BC Housing, and Interior Health.
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The meeting came a couple of weeks after an open letter that expressed frustration with the lack of a clear plan for permanent solutions to homelessness and addiction was sent to mayors, councils, BC Housing, and Interior Health.

Outpouring of compassion’ for those coping on Kelowna streets during cold weather 14/11/2022
Every morning outreach workers bring breakfast items to the outdoor sheltering site in downtown Kelowna, B.C.’s north end.
“Coffee, oatmeal and juice,” said Josh Heinitz, an outreach worker with the Gospel Mission.
But these days, the outreach teams are bringing a lot more than just a bite to eat.
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“Coffee, oatmeal and juice,” said Josh Heinitz, an outreach worker with the Gospel Mission.
But these days, the outreach teams are bringing a lot more than just a bite to eat.

‘Tired of the futility’: B.C. advocates for unhoused population call for permanent solutions 09/11/2022
Scrambling every winter to find indoor shelter for Kelowna’s unhoused population is not working, and front-line workers and local politicians alike want change for what they describe to be a “futile” situation.
“We can’t just always be responding with knee-jerk reactions to emergencies when we know winter comes every single year,” Coun. Loyal Woodridge said Wednesday, as snowfall and plunging temperatures created a deadly situation.
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“We can’t just always be responding with knee-jerk reactions to emergencies when we know winter comes every single year,” Coun. Loyal Woodridge said Wednesday, as snowfall and plunging temperatures created a deadly situation.

B.C. Interior non-profits say opening more winter shelters is futile without more housing 07/11/2022
A number of shelter operators across B.C.'s Okanagan and Thompson regions have sent a strongly-worded letter to the province, municipal governments and Interior Health demanding more housing with wraparound services for people living with homelessness.
In the open letter, leaders of non-profits Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society in Merritt, John Howard Society of Okanagan and Kootenay in Kelowna, ASK Wellness Society in Kamloops, Penticton and District Society for Community Living, Kelowna Gospel Mission and Turning Points Collaborative Society in Vernon said running temporary shelters for another winter without the intention to eventually house the vulnerable population is unsustainable.
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In the open letter, leaders of non-profits Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society in Merritt, John Howard Society of Okanagan and Kootenay in Kelowna, ASK Wellness Society in Kamloops, Penticton and District Society for Community Living, Kelowna Gospel Mission and Turning Points Collaborative Society in Vernon said running temporary shelters for another winter without the intention to eventually house the vulnerable population is unsustainable.

kanagan shelters call for changes to homelessness response 05/11/2022
As cold weather sets in, a group of B.C. Interior shelter and outreach operators are calling for change in the way cities and the health authority tackle the homeless crisis.
In an open letter to mayors and councillors in the B.C. Interior, as well as BC Housing and Interior Health, the shelter and outreach operators highlight issues with temporary winter shelter programs, the “unrealized promise” of year-round shelters, work force and training challenges and more.
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In an open letter to mayors and councillors in the B.C. Interior, as well as BC Housing and Interior Health, the shelter and outreach operators highlight issues with temporary winter shelter programs, the “unrealized promise” of year-round shelters, work force and training challenges and more.

Kelowna homeless population trying to keep warm as winter arrives 03/11/2022
Kelowna’s downtown on-call team helped snuff out a small fire on Leon Avenue Thursday morning.
The fire occurred on the 200 block of Leon just before 11 a.m. and appears to be sparked by a small camp cook stove that spread into some nearby bedding. Temperatures are dropping below zero this week and more than a hundred people are sleeping on the streets of Kelowna.
The downtown on-call team, in the red shirts, are employed by the Downtown Association and typically spend their time helping keeping the peace downtown.
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The fire occurred on the 200 block of Leon just before 11 a.m. and appears to be sparked by a small camp cook stove that spread into some nearby bedding. Temperatures are dropping below zero this week and more than a hundred people are sleeping on the streets of Kelowna.
The downtown on-call team, in the red shirts, are employed by the Downtown Association and typically spend their time helping keeping the peace downtown.

Staff and residents of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission get in the Halloween spirit
The spirit of Halloween was alive and well at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission this weekend.
Staff and residents came together to carve a number of pumpkins ahead of Halloween today.
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Staff and residents came together to carve a number of pumpkins ahead of Halloween today.

Kelowna homeless needs rise as winter approaches – Kelowna Capital News 29/10/2022
Winter is here. Once again the Kelowna Gospel Mission needs donations to help people fight the cold.
“Meeting basic needs is one of the first steps in getting people out of homelessness,” says Gospel Mission executive director Carmen Rempel. His one of these basic needs is warmth and shelter, and that’s where donations come in.
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“Meeting basic needs is one of the first steps in getting people out of homelessness,” says Gospel Mission executive director Carmen Rempel. His one of these basic needs is warmth and shelter, and that’s where donations come in.

Is homelessness really the worst it's ever been in Kelowna? 11/10/2022
Homelessness is the worst it's ever been according to some of the people seeking your vote in the upcoming civic election.
But is it?
We asked Carmen Rempel, the CEO of Kelowna's Gospel Mission.
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But is it?
We asked Carmen Rempel, the CEO of Kelowna's Gospel Mission.

60-bed shelter opens in Kelowna’s north end 09/10/2022
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission’s new shelter for those experiencing homelessness is now open.
The Bay Avenue shelter, located at 858 Ellis St. in an old BC Tree Fruits building, has 60 beds and is meant as a replacement for the Gospel Mission’s now-closed 60-bed shelter on Doyle Avenue.
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The Bay Avenue shelter, located at 858 Ellis St. in an old BC Tree Fruits building, has 60 beds and is meant as a replacement for the Gospel Mission’s now-closed 60-bed shelter on Doyle Avenue.

New Kelowna shelter holds open house 07/10/2022
The Kelowna Gospel Mission opened the doors to their Bay Avenue homeless shelter Friday to give the public an opportunity to ask questions and check it out for themselves ahead of the official opening.
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Gospel Mission scrambling to find employees to work at new shelter 22/09/2022
The Kelowna Gospel Mission's new shelter at the former BC Tree Fruits packinghouse may not open at the start of October if they can't find staff.
Gospel Mission executive director Carmen Rempel tells Castanet the new shelter opening may have to be delayed because of a lack of qualified employees.
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Gospel Mission executive director Carmen Rempel tells Castanet the new shelter opening may have to be delayed because of a lack of qualified employees.

Memorial motorcycle ride for mistaken-identity murder victim from Penticton keeps mom close to son 24/09/2022
Dozens of motorcycles and a few cars took off from Penticton to Kelowna Saturday morning, for a ride in memory of a local man who was shot to death in 2019.
The annual Ride in Memory of Rex Gill honours the man who was shot in a mistaken-identity case in Kamloops. The annual ride from Penticton to Kelowna delivers warm clothes and donations to the Kelowna Gospel Mission, something close to Gill’s heart.
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The annual Ride in Memory of Rex Gill honours the man who was shot in a mistaken-identity case in Kamloops. The annual ride from Penticton to Kelowna delivers warm clothes and donations to the Kelowna Gospel Mission, something close to Gill’s heart.

JOB FAIR AT KELOWNA'S GOSPEL MISSION 20/09/2022
The wider benefit of more staff at Kelowna Gospel Mission
If you're looking for work in the social services sector, the Kelowna Gospel Mission has many vacancies to fill.
They also hope this will ease public concerns surrounding the amount of unsheltered people in the downtown.
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If you're looking for work in the social services sector, the Kelowna Gospel Mission has many vacancies to fill.
They also hope this will ease public concerns surrounding the amount of unsheltered people in the downtown.

Outreach vans from Kelowna’s Gospel Mission helping beat the heat 25/07/2022
With a heat warning in effect this week across the Okanagan, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission is doing its part.
Outreach vans have been made available downtown for those looking to beat the heat, from 6a.m. to 7pm.
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Outreach vans have been made available downtown for those looking to beat the heat, from 6a.m. to 7pm.

BC Housing moving ahead with warehouse renos to create new homeless shelter 20/07/2022
Renovations are going ahead at a former BC Tree Fruits warehouse in Kelowna’s north end to make it the home of a new temporary homeless shelter. It will be operated by Kelowna Gospel Mission.
In a statement to Global News, BC Housing said it collaborated with the City of Kelowna, spending several months searching for an appropriate location.
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In a statement to Global News, BC Housing said it collaborated with the City of Kelowna, spending several months searching for an appropriate location.

Camp fire highlights need for more beds in Kelowna 20/07/2022
An early morning fire at the city’s designated homeless campsite underscores the need for more indoor beds for Kelowna’s street population, the director of the Gospel Mission says.
Firefighters were called to the site, at the corner of Baille Avenue and Ethel Street along the Okanagan Rail Trail, about 8:30 a.m. today.
Several shopping carts filled with campers’ possessions were ablaze, sending a thick black column of smoke rising over the area. “There were no injuries and the guys had the fire out fairly quickly,” Kelowna Fire Department platoon captain Shayne Kiehlbauch said.
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Firefighters were called to the site, at the corner of Baille Avenue and Ethel Street along the Okanagan Rail Trail, about 8:30 a.m. today.
Several shopping carts filled with campers’ possessions were ablaze, sending a thick black column of smoke rising over the area. “There were no injuries and the guys had the fire out fairly quickly,” Kelowna Fire Department platoon captain Shayne Kiehlbauch said.

Shopping carts ablaze at Kelowna's official homeless campsite 19/07/2022
An early morning fire at the city’s designated homeless campsite underscores the need for more indoor beds for Kelowna’s street population, the director of the Gospel Mission says.
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Kelowna in need of politicians to tackle drug crisis 08/07/2022
A recent opinion article published in Lake Country Calendar and authored by Jacqueline Gelineau discussed the urgent need to take more measures in order to manage the growing opioid crisis in Kelowna. According to some local experts and policymakers, the local politicians are not doing enough to reduce harm.
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Volunteers Make an Impact 12/05/2022
KCR: Volunteers witness everyday kindness
Sonja Menyes, the Manager of Volunteers and Development Officer at the Kelowna Gospel Mission helps to connect community-minded individuals to volunteer opportunities that help KGM to achieve its Mission to “feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and help the hurting.
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Sonja Menyes, the Manager of Volunteers and Development Officer at the Kelowna Gospel Mission helps to connect community-minded individuals to volunteer opportunities that help KGM to achieve its Mission to “feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and help the hurting.

Kelowna’s Gospel Mission staff member working with Ukrainian refugees in Romania 29/03/2022
The development director at Kelowna's Gospel Mission is in Romania working to help Ukrainian refugees.
Mike Morrison has been in the country since March 19, heading up a humanitarian medical team helping Ukrainian refugees.
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Mike Morrison has been in the country since March 19, heading up a humanitarian medical team helping Ukrainian refugees.

Doyle Shelter leases extended 24/03/2022
Shelter leases extended
Pair of homeless shelter leases extended in Kelowna
The provincial government has extended the leases at the homeless shelters on Richter Street and Doyle Avenue.
BC Housing, in partnership with Turning Points Collaborative Society and the City of Kelowna, has signed a lease extension to continue offering shelter services at the 1083 Richter Street site until March 31, 2023.
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Pair of homeless shelter leases extended in Kelowna
The provincial government has extended the leases at the homeless shelters on Richter Street and Doyle Avenue.
BC Housing, in partnership with Turning Points Collaborative Society and the City of Kelowna, has signed a lease extension to continue offering shelter services at the 1083 Richter Street site until March 31, 2023.

Strides to End Homelessness, March 5th, 2022 04/03/2022
The annual Strides to End Homelessness walk is back, in person, after a two-year hiatus.
Last year's event was virtual and the one prior to that was cancelled altogether due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time.
Troy McKnight with the Gospel Mission says they are happy to be back to in-person walking this year but there will be some restrictions, "there is limited capacity inside the Laurel Packinghouse and we're going to be checking (vaccine) passports at the door and masks are mandatory inside."
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Last year's event was virtual and the one prior to that was cancelled altogether due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time.
Troy McKnight with the Gospel Mission says they are happy to be back to in-person walking this year but there will be some restrictions, "there is limited capacity inside the Laurel Packinghouse and we're going to be checking (vaccine) passports at the door and masks are mandatory inside."

Kelowna Shelters at Full Capacity 25/02/2022
With most Kelowna shelters already at capacity, the Gospel Mission is expecting an influx with the arrival of a cold snap.
Overnight lows for the first half of the week are now back below -10 C.
Kelowna Gospel Mission shelter manager Phillip Whatman says the shelter doesn’t necessarily get busier during the colder days, but it “brings more people inside, and that can cause some cabin fever.”
He said both the Leon and Doyle shelters are currently at full capacity.
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Overnight lows for the first half of the week are now back below -10 C.
Kelowna Gospel Mission shelter manager Phillip Whatman says the shelter doesn’t necessarily get busier during the colder days, but it “brings more people inside, and that can cause some cabin fever.”
He said both the Leon and Doyle shelters are currently at full capacity.

Christmas trees in Kelowna, West Kelowna shelters decorated to raise awareness of opioid crisis 13/12/2021
As we get closer to the end of the deadliest year of the opioid crisis in the province, members of the advocacy group Moms Stop the Harm are honouring the memory of those we’ve lost by putting up Christmas trees in shelters in both Kelowna and West Kelowna.
“Every ball, every name and star that’s added to these trees, we know there’s a heartbroken family out there,” said Helen Jennens with Moms Stop The Harm.
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“Every ball, every name and star that’s added to these trees, we know there’s a heartbroken family out there,” said Helen Jennens with Moms Stop The Harm.

Kelowna emergency shelter cannot accommodate increased demand, people sleep outside 06/12/2021
Extreme weather that brought flooding water to the B.C. Interior, is now causing issues for area residents as temperatures begin to tip and snow starts to fall.
For those experiencing homelessness, the situation is even more dire. Kelowna Gospel Mission does not have enough emergency shelter beds to accommodate the increased demand due to the dramatic change in weather.
“We do have a shortage of emergency shelter beds, especially with what is going on in Merritt,” says Sonja Menyes from the Kelowna Gospel Mission.
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For those experiencing homelessness, the situation is even more dire. Kelowna Gospel Mission does not have enough emergency shelter beds to accommodate the increased demand due to the dramatic change in weather.
“We do have a shortage of emergency shelter beds, especially with what is going on in Merritt,” says Sonja Menyes from the Kelowna Gospel Mission.

Gospel Mission adds beds 08/11/2021
Now that fall is here and the temperature at night is dipping down below zero, Kelowna's Gospel Mission is stepping up to help the homeless.
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission is adding 10 more beds to their 50-bed emergency shelter in the old Courier building at 550 Doyle Avenue within the next 2 weeks.
“Adding 10 beds to our current emergency shelter will bring Kelowna’s Gospel Mission’s total beds for people experiencing homelessness to 120. Our Outreach teams will be in our city 7 days a week, handing out items to keep people warm such as blankets, sleeping bags, gloves, toques, warm coats, and Hot Paws hand warmers,” says Carmen Rempel, Executive Director at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission is adding 10 more beds to their 50-bed emergency shelter in the old Courier building at 550 Doyle Avenue within the next 2 weeks.
“Adding 10 beds to our current emergency shelter will bring Kelowna’s Gospel Mission’s total beds for people experiencing homelessness to 120. Our Outreach teams will be in our city 7 days a week, handing out items to keep people warm such as blankets, sleeping bags, gloves, toques, warm coats, and Hot Paws hand warmers,” says Carmen Rempel, Executive Director at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.

Kelowna Gospel Mission asks people to show ‘a little extra grace’ to homeless on Thanksgiving 11/10/2021
As Kelowna’s Gospel Mission prepares up to 300 Thanksgiving meals for people living in homeless shelters and on the streets, it’s reminding the public to be extra compassionate towards those struggling.
“All of them come to us with some various loss in their life,” said Carmen Rempel, executive director for the Gospel Mission.
“So when it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas and Easter and all these times that are supposed to be happy and cheerful, it can often just magnify some of the grief and some of the losses.”
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“All of them come to us with some various loss in their life,” said Carmen Rempel, executive director for the Gospel Mission.
“So when it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas and Easter and all these times that are supposed to be happy and cheerful, it can often just magnify some of the grief and some of the losses.”

Giant mural depicts resilience of Indigenous women in B.C. artist's life 28/09/2021
Sylix artist Sheldon Louis stands next to the Kelowna Gospel Mission shelter, admiring a giant, brightly coloured mural he's painted on the building's side wall.
"It's like I'm planting a flag and saying hey this is our territory, we're still here," he said, referencing the five Indigenous women he's painted in a mix of vibrant orange, pink, and blue.
Louis was selected by a panel to showcase his talent, as part of a project by the Okanagan Indigenous Music and Arts Society to beautify downtown Kelowna, B.C., through a series of public artworks by First Nations artists.
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"It's like I'm planting a flag and saying hey this is our territory, we're still here," he said, referencing the five Indigenous women he's painted in a mix of vibrant orange, pink, and blue.
Louis was selected by a panel to showcase his talent, as part of a project by the Okanagan Indigenous Music and Arts Society to beautify downtown Kelowna, B.C., through a series of public artworks by First Nations artists.

08/09/2021
After 43 years of business, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission Thrift Store is expanding to West Kelowna.
West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom, Councillor Jason Friesen, store Manager Shannon Coulter, Assistant Manager Nicolette Roether, and Kelowna’s Gospel Mission’s Executive Director Carmen Rempel will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Sep. 11th at 10 a.m. to kick off the opening.
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West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom, Councillor Jason Friesen, store Manager Shannon Coulter, Assistant Manager Nicolette Roether, and Kelowna’s Gospel Mission’s Executive Director Carmen Rempel will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Sep. 11th at 10 a.m. to kick off the opening.

Money Saver Donates $7,500 Worth of Pizzas to Kelowna's Gospel Mission 13/07/2021
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission has received a donation of $7,500 worth of pizza from a local marketing firm.
Okanagan Marketing Solutions is making its first of seven deliveries of pizza to the Mission on Thursday. The pizza is being served to people staying at the two emergency shelters, the four women’s transitional homes and to people living outside at 551 Recreation Avenue.
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Okanagan Marketing Solutions is making its first of seven deliveries of pizza to the Mission on Thursday. The pizza is being served to people staying at the two emergency shelters, the four women’s transitional homes and to people living outside at 551 Recreation Avenue.

OPERATION HEATWAVE 25/06/2021
The extreme heat across the Southern Interior has caused many people to hide indoors, but some don't have that luxury.
Brittnay Applegh lives on the streets of Kelowna. She didn’t want to appear on camera, but told Castanet both her and her dog spend a lot of time by the lake trying to keep cool.
“The shade, lots of resting and staying in one spot. I can’t move around too much. I know I'm going to pretty much have to stay in the shade or be at the lake in the water with her,” she said.
Environment Canada says a dangerous long-duration heat wave will roll over B.C. beginning on Saturday and lasting until Tuesday.
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Brittnay Applegh lives on the streets of Kelowna. She didn’t want to appear on camera, but told Castanet both her and her dog spend a lot of time by the lake trying to keep cool.
“The shade, lots of resting and staying in one spot. I can’t move around too much. I know I'm going to pretty much have to stay in the shade or be at the lake in the water with her,” she said.
Environment Canada says a dangerous long-duration heat wave will roll over B.C. beginning on Saturday and lasting until Tuesday.

New outreach van to enhance services for Kelowna’s homeless population 25/03/2021
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission has a new tool to help the homeless population.
The organization has acquired a new van that will allow it to expand its outreach services.
“We’re just so thankful,” said Troy McKnight, corporate and community relations officer for the Gospel Mission.
“We actually went to a number of corporate partners in town, and, even in the midst of the challenges of COVID, a number of the companies stepped up and the van is fully paid for.”
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The organization has acquired a new van that will allow it to expand its outreach services.
“We’re just so thankful,” said Troy McKnight, corporate and community relations officer for the Gospel Mission.
“We actually went to a number of corporate partners in town, and, even in the midst of the challenges of COVID, a number of the companies stepped up and the van is fully paid for.”

Tenth annual walk, run hopes to raise 50K for Gospel Mission
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission is hoping to raise $50,000 on Saturday when it conducts its 10th annual Strides to End Homelessness event.
The Mission is inviting the community to do a two- or five-kilometre walk or a 10-kilometre run with members of their bubble on Saturday, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Strides to End Homelessness is a perfect event during COVID,” Gospel Mission executive director Carmen Rempel said in a press release. “People can put on their Strides toque and walk with their family ‘bubble’ while reflecting on how important secure housing is.
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The Mission is inviting the community to do a two- or five-kilometre walk or a 10-kilometre run with members of their bubble on Saturday, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Strides to End Homelessness is a perfect event during COVID,” Gospel Mission executive director Carmen Rempel said in a press release. “People can put on their Strides toque and walk with their family ‘bubble’ while reflecting on how important secure housing is.

Untold: How cooking helped a Kelowna man stay off the streets 28/01/2021
This is the first article in a Capital News series entitled ‘Untold’. In partnership with Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, these stories will feature people who are or have experienced homelessness in Kelowna.
Overnight, David Short lost everything.
Two years ago he was walking home from working at a restaurant in downtown Kelowna when he fell and hit his head. When he woke up in the hospital, doctors told him he had suffered a seizure and fractured his skull.
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Overnight, David Short lost everything.
Two years ago he was walking home from working at a restaurant in downtown Kelowna when he fell and hit his head. When he woke up in the hospital, doctors told him he had suffered a seizure and fractured his skull.

Christmas meals for Kelowna’s less fortunate a ‘silver lining’ amid difficult time of year 19/12/2020
By the end of the night they will have fed 500, and for those that don’t have much, a warm meal lovingly prepared by a stranger can go a long way.
On Saturday, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission took to the road to distribute warm turkey dinners to those in need. One of their first stops was a gravel parking lot on Baillie Avenue, where dozens of people eagerly accepted their gift.
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On Saturday, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission took to the road to distribute warm turkey dinners to those in need. One of their first stops was a gravel parking lot on Baillie Avenue, where dozens of people eagerly accepted their gift.

Christmas Dinner at Kelowna's Gospel Mission 18/12/2020
No pandemic can stop Kelowna’s Gospel Mission from serving its annual Christmas dinner, but this year, they are adapting the service to keep staff, volunteers and residents safe.
The Gospel Mission said they will serve the traditional meal to the residents living in their 60-bed Leon Avenue shelter and 40-bed winter shelter at Doyle Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 19.
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The Gospel Mission said they will serve the traditional meal to the residents living in their 60-bed Leon Avenue shelter and 40-bed winter shelter at Doyle Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Thanksgiving Meal a Hit 12/10/2020
It was a happy Thanksgiving at Kelowna Gospel Mission on Monday afternoon as 60 residents lined up for the annual Thanksgiving dinner.
Executive director Carmen Rempel says that this year, giving thanks has more meaning than ever.
"In 2020, if we have an opportunity to celebrate, we're going to take that opportunity and take a moment and celebrate, so Thanksgiving is a great opportunity for us to gather together, have a meal together that's a little bit special."
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Executive director Carmen Rempel says that this year, giving thanks has more meaning than ever.
"In 2020, if we have an opportunity to celebrate, we're going to take that opportunity and take a moment and celebrate, so Thanksgiving is a great opportunity for us to gather together, have a meal together that's a little bit special."

Kelowna's Gospel Mission is still hosting Thanksgiving dinner 23/09/2020
The Kelowna Gospel Mission's massive Thanksgiving dinner will still happen this year, however, it will look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mission's Executive Director Carmen Rempel tells Castanet that staff are eager and excited for another Thanksgiving.
"Fall changes the seasons at our shelter just like everywhere else," she says. "We're really looking forward to our big Thanksgiving dinner that's coming up which is a great opportunity to engage with the community every year, although it will look a little bit different this year."
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The Mission's Executive Director Carmen Rempel tells Castanet that staff are eager and excited for another Thanksgiving.
"Fall changes the seasons at our shelter just like everywhere else," she says. "We're really looking forward to our big Thanksgiving dinner that's coming up which is a great opportunity to engage with the community every year, although it will look a little bit different this year."

Matter of Life and Death 29/07/2020
With temperatures expected to be 35 degrees or hotter for the remainder of the week, most people have the ability to head indoors to remain cool, but what if you can’t escape the extreme heat?
Those roughing it on the streets are posted in tents in various locations of the city and don’t have access to air conditioning as COVID-19 has closed most indoor areas such as libraries, stores and restaurants.
That’s why the Kelowna Gospel Mission has outreach teams to provide essentials to those without a home.
“It is a team of people that is going out there 13 hours a day, finding people who are living it rough on the streets,” explains Carmen Rempel, executive director of the Kelowna Gospel Mission.
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Those roughing it on the streets are posted in tents in various locations of the city and don’t have access to air conditioning as COVID-19 has closed most indoor areas such as libraries, stores and restaurants.
That’s why the Kelowna Gospel Mission has outreach teams to provide essentials to those without a home.
“It is a team of people that is going out there 13 hours a day, finding people who are living it rough on the streets,” explains Carmen Rempel, executive director of the Kelowna Gospel Mission.

Kelowna hosts annual civic awards show on line 02/07/2020
Outgoing Gospel Mission executive director Randy Benson was honoured with the Anita Tozer Memorial Award.
That award is bestowed by council to an individual or group in recognition of an extraordinary and positive contribution to the quality of life in Kelowna.
Benson came to Kelowna in 1993 as a youth pastor at Willow Park Church.
He took on the role as executive director of the Gospel Mission in 2001, a position he will soon step down from.
"We serve many, and we rescue some," said Benson.
"The fact that we do see people saved from lifestyles that are destructive, and we see them get back on their feet, I really believe we are doing important work."
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That award is bestowed by council to an individual or group in recognition of an extraordinary and positive contribution to the quality of life in Kelowna.
Benson came to Kelowna in 1993 as a youth pastor at Willow Park Church.
He took on the role as executive director of the Gospel Mission in 2001, a position he will soon step down from.
"We serve many, and we rescue some," said Benson.
"The fact that we do see people saved from lifestyles that are destructive, and we see them get back on their feet, I really believe we are doing important work."

Kelowna's Gospel Mission has a new executive director. 26/05/2020
Carmen Rempel will start in the position on June 15. She is a Kelowna local who comes to the Mission with more than 10 years of experience in the non-profit field.
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FRIENDS RALLY TO PROVIDE MEALS FOR KELOWNA’S GOSPEL MISSION 29/04/2020
A longtime Kelowna restaurant owner will be providing dinner for many of Kelowna's homeless population Thursday.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and resulting slow down of the economy, has hit everyone hard, including the city's most vulnerable.
Gurvinder Momi, owner of Dawett, Da Tandoor and Chutney Indian Cuisine, along with realtor Gary Judge and Karam Kler of Forever Destiny Homes will be delivering dinner to the Kelowna Gospel Mission Thursday afternoon to help during these difficult times.
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The COVID-19 pandemic, and resulting slow down of the economy, has hit everyone hard, including the city's most vulnerable.
Gurvinder Momi, owner of Dawett, Da Tandoor and Chutney Indian Cuisine, along with realtor Gary Judge and Karam Kler of Forever Destiny Homes will be delivering dinner to the Kelowna Gospel Mission Thursday afternoon to help during these difficult times.

Gospel Mission to Restrict Access 17/03/2020
The Kelowna Gospel Mission will be shutting its doors to the public starting Wednesday due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With border access restricted, major sporting events being suspended and even major corporations shutting their doors, the mission decided to take measures of their own.
“Starting this week we’re going to be cutting back to just essential services, which is food and shelter for the people which are registered as guests here,” explains Randy Benson, executive director at the Kelowna Gospel Mission.
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With border access restricted, major sporting events being suspended and even major corporations shutting their doors, the mission decided to take measures of their own.
“Starting this week we’re going to be cutting back to just essential services, which is food and shelter for the people which are registered as guests here,” explains Randy Benson, executive director at the Kelowna Gospel Mission.

9th Annual Strides to End Homelessness 26/02/2020
Kelowna will Take Strides to End Homelessness on Sunday.
The annual event brings in money to support the Gospel Mission with family-friendly two and five-kilometre walks and a 10-kilometre run.
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The annual event brings in money to support the Gospel Mission with family-friendly two and five-kilometre walks and a 10-kilometre run.

Mission Busy in The Cold 15/01/2020
While the Okanagan freezes during the cold snap, more people are heading to Kelowna's Gospel Mission.
"We're one of the places that's open during the day for people to stay in, so our daytime business has been much busier," says executive director Randy Benson.
However, the shelter is currently at capacity for overnight hours, as all 76 beds are taken.
"With the other agencies opening up a couple cold weather shelters, it seems as a community we've been able to keep up with the need," says Benson.
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"We're one of the places that's open during the day for people to stay in, so our daytime business has been much busier," says executive director Randy Benson.
However, the shelter is currently at capacity for overnight hours, as all 76 beds are taken.
"With the other agencies opening up a couple cold weather shelters, it seems as a community we've been able to keep up with the need," says Benson.

Kelowna's Gospel Mission Hockey Game 18/12/2019
Eight weeks after local production company Solid Rock Video shut down Leon Avenue to film a community street hockey game, the much-awaited final product has been released.
The two-and-a-half minute film was produced for Kelowna Gospel Mission's Christmas fundraising campaign in an effort to humanize homelessness.
"I think when you're a young lad, you have dreams that you might be an NHL player one day," says one of the men featured in the video.
"Growing up I played soccer, baseball... those were probably the better times, the good times," said another.
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The two-and-a-half minute film was produced for Kelowna Gospel Mission's Christmas fundraising campaign in an effort to humanize homelessness.
"I think when you're a young lad, you have dreams that you might be an NHL player one day," says one of the men featured in the video.
"Growing up I played soccer, baseball... those were probably the better times, the good times," said another.

Benson Will Retire in 2020 03/12/2019
Randy Benson the executive director of Kelowna's Gospel Mission has announced he will retire in 2020, after working at the Mission since 2001.
"I'm very thankful for the 18-plus years that I've had here, it's been a great ride for me," said Benson. "My hope and prayer is that the good work of the Gospel Mission will continue."
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"I'm very thankful for the 18-plus years that I've had here, it's been a great ride for me," said Benson. "My hope and prayer is that the good work of the Gospel Mission will continue."

Hockey For People Experiencing Homelessness
Hockey players and fans alike gathered at Leon Avenue on Tuesday to star in a street hockey game, filmed by local production company Solid Rock Video.
West Kelowna Warriors players turned up for the game, as well as various Leon Ave residents and drop-in extras.
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West Kelowna Warriors players turned up for the game, as well as various Leon Ave residents and drop-in extras.

1,349 Thanksgiving Meals Served 14/10/2019
Kelowna's Gospel Mission held a free Thanksgiving turkey dinner for 900 guests Monday from noon until 6 p.m.
The staff and volunteers have been working hard for the past couple of weeks in order to have what is historically the Mission's largest meal.
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The staff and volunteers have been working hard for the past couple of weeks in order to have what is historically the Mission's largest meal.

Homelessness is No Picnic 03/08/2019
Kelowna's Gospel Mission hosted its third annual 'Homelessness is Not Picnic' community barbecue. Dozens of guests from the shelter joined members of the community to enjoy live music and free food.
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Downtown mural on the walls of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission to be unveiled 25/06/2019
An unveiling ceremony will soon be held for a mural completed on the walls of the courtyard at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.
The mural is comprised of illustrations that tell tales of the 19th century Okanagan Chinese pioneers; a myriad of mining and railway construction, farming and Chinese calligraphy paintings that come together to tell a common narrative.
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The mural is comprised of illustrations that tell tales of the 19th century Okanagan Chinese pioneers; a myriad of mining and railway construction, farming and Chinese calligraphy paintings that come together to tell a common narrative.

Gospel Mission Cat Saved 05/06/2019
A Gospel Mission cat named Casador, still has nine lives, thanks to some quick intervention.
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New Wheels for Mission 04/05/2019
Kelowna Gospel Mission will be able to continue to help those most in need, thanks to the donation of a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan from the Kelowna Auto Dealers Association.
The dealers handed over the keys Friday afternoon, and Gospel Mission executive director Randy Benson says his team is thrilled.
''Much of our ministry is about helping guests get to appointments and various activities, so that's what this van will be used for.''
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The dealers handed over the keys Friday afternoon, and Gospel Mission executive director Randy Benson says his team is thrilled.
''Much of our ministry is about helping guests get to appointments and various activities, so that's what this van will be used for.''

Blooming tribute 22/04/2019
Things will be blooming at the Kelowna Gospel Mission, thanks to the Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association.
Over the weekend, executives of Kelowna's Gospel Mission and representatives of the OCCA planted seeds of the Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Kelowna's official flower, in the downtown property on Leon.
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Over the weekend, executives of Kelowna's Gospel Mission and representatives of the OCCA planted seeds of the Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Kelowna's official flower, in the downtown property on Leon.

An Easter Tradition 19/04/2019
Kelowna's Gospel Mission will again open its doors for a free Easter dinner for anyone in need in the community.
Dinner will be served in the Mission's dining room on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
"Everyone will be able to enjoy a traditional Easter meal of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and all the fixings, followed by pie generously donated by the Bernard Avenue Safeway," the Mission said in a news release.
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Dinner will be served in the Mission's dining room on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
"Everyone will be able to enjoy a traditional Easter meal of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and all the fixings, followed by pie generously donated by the Bernard Avenue Safeway," the Mission said in a news release.

Hundreds of Hungry Fed 07/04/2019
Hundreds of hungry mouths were fed last week when staff from Castanet and their community partners Total Restoration spent Thursday preparing and serving meals at Kelowna's Gospel Mission.
While the Mission serves hundreds of meals to the community's hungry every single day, Castanet joined in on the 40 for 40 campaign to celebrate the organization's 40th anniversary.
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While the Mission serves hundreds of meals to the community's hungry every single day, Castanet joined in on the 40 for 40 campaign to celebrate the organization's 40th anniversary.

Christmas dinner 14/12/2018
he 40th annual Christmas Dinner will be served at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission this Saturday.
From noon to 6 p.m., the KGM will open it’s doors to those in need within our community, to feast on a hearty dinner with all the traditional Christmas fixings.
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From noon to 6 p.m., the KGM will open it’s doors to those in need within our community, to feast on a hearty dinner with all the traditional Christmas fixings.

Community Skate & Fundraiser 09/10/2018
2% Realty Okanagan Ltd. invite your friends and family to join them for their 1st Annual Holiday Kick-Off! Join us for free skating, Santa photos and snacks at the Capital News Centre from 12:45 pm to 2:45 pm on Saturday, November 10th, 2018. They are collecting non-perishable food items, gloves and cash to benefit Kelowna's Gospel Mission.

Give thanks and give back 08/10/2018
George Pierce has been clean and sober for 41 years, and off the streets for more than 20 years - but he still remembers his dark days like it was yesterday.
Pierce, 70, and dozens of other volunteers gave up part of their holiday Monday to help feed, and comfort, those less fortunate than themselves.
They were part of the team who will serve about 800 meals to the homeless and downtrodden at Kelowna's Gospel Mission.
"I'm a skid-row survivor from Vancouver," Pierce says proudly.
"I've been in Kelowna since 1977. I was 29 when I sobered up."
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Pierce, 70, and dozens of other volunteers gave up part of their holiday Monday to help feed, and comfort, those less fortunate than themselves.
They were part of the team who will serve about 800 meals to the homeless and downtrodden at Kelowna's Gospel Mission.
"I'm a skid-row survivor from Vancouver," Pierce says proudly.
"I've been in Kelowna since 1977. I was 29 when I sobered up."

Mission Looking For Sponsors 21/09/2018
The sound of businesses speaking up about the homelessness issue in Kelowna keeps getting louder, and it promises to be one of the primary talking points of the municipal election campaign leading up to Oct. 20.
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission would like businesses to know they can do something about the issue before they head to the ballot box. They can get involved and sponsor a program that will aid in the fight against homelessness.
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Kelowna’s Gospel Mission would like businesses to know they can do something about the issue before they head to the ballot box. They can get involved and sponsor a program that will aid in the fight against homelessness.

Kelowna's Gospel Mission Charity Golf Classic 21/09/2018
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission presented their third annual Charity Golf Classic on September 7th, 2018 at Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club. Our goal was to raise $20,000 to help emergency shelter programs. We are excited to announce that we exceeded this goal and, with our golfers and sponsors help, raised $32,000!
We are so grateful to our title sponsor, Source Office Furnishings and the following sponsors who supported our event. We could not have done it without you!
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We are so grateful to our title sponsor, Source Office Furnishings and the following sponsors who supported our event. We could not have done it without you!

Homelessness is No Picnic 04/08/2018
Warm weather doesn’t mean shelter for Kelowna’s homeless.
The second annual Homeless is No Picnic event, hosted by Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, took place in City Park Saturday, in order to spread awareness about homelessness in the city.
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The second annual Homeless is No Picnic event, hosted by Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, took place in City Park Saturday, in order to spread awareness about homelessness in the city.

Kelowna Gospel Mission thanks community support workers with 8th annual Well Done BBQ 06/06/2018
To celebrate the hard work done by local non-profit and social service agencies, the Kelowna Gospel Mission (KGM) hosted their 8th annual Well Done BBQ on Wednesday afternoon.
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8th Annual Well Done BBQ 07/06/2018
Non-profit and social service agencies working to help people who are homeless and struggling with addictions, mental health issues and unaffordable housing gathered at the Kelowna Gospel Mission Wednesday for the 8th annual Well Done BBQ.
“We called people together to recognize that we do good work together and as a message to our community that as agencies, we’re not working in silos, we’re working together and it’s our collaboration and cooperation that brings us successes,” said Randy Benson, executive director of the Kelowna Gospel Mission.
Local groups represented at the lunch included homeless shelters, housing providers, addiction resources, Interior Health, the Downtown Kelowna Association and the RCMP.
Working together to bring services to people in need is essential to ensure good communication and collaboration and to prevent the duplicating of services, said Benson.
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“We called people together to recognize that we do good work together and as a message to our community that as agencies, we’re not working in silos, we’re working together and it’s our collaboration and cooperation that brings us successes,” said Randy Benson, executive director of the Kelowna Gospel Mission.
Local groups represented at the lunch included homeless shelters, housing providers, addiction resources, Interior Health, the Downtown Kelowna Association and the RCMP.
Working together to bring services to people in need is essential to ensure good communication and collaboration and to prevent the duplicating of services, said Benson.

A Gift of Solar Power 21/04/2018
Several volunteers spent their Saturday on the roof of the Kelowna Gospel Mission Saturday, helping save the shelter $1,000 per year in expenses.
Crews from Okanagan Solar, along with Highstreet Ventures, spent the day installing a solar panel array on the building, worth about $20,000. The money saved through the free energy from the new system will be spent on providing services to the Mission's clients.
“Look at the need in town, I mean, just helping to give back to the community,” said Rob Monteith, owner of Okanagan Solar.
Monteith said the idea started last fall, when he was driving some of his suppliers down Leon Street.
“There happened to be a couple hundred people in the street and I said to (the suppliers), 'If you guys have any extra materials that you want to donate, this would be a good place to see if we could help them out with some grid-type power,'” Monteith said. “And they all immediately said yes.
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Crews from Okanagan Solar, along with Highstreet Ventures, spent the day installing a solar panel array on the building, worth about $20,000. The money saved through the free energy from the new system will be spent on providing services to the Mission's clients.
“Look at the need in town, I mean, just helping to give back to the community,” said Rob Monteith, owner of Okanagan Solar.
Monteith said the idea started last fall, when he was driving some of his suppliers down Leon Street.
“There happened to be a couple hundred people in the street and I said to (the suppliers), 'If you guys have any extra materials that you want to donate, this would be a good place to see if we could help them out with some grid-type power,'” Monteith said. “And they all immediately said yes.

Easter Dinner 31/03/2018
The Kelowna Gospel Mission has been holding their annual Easter dinner for more than 30 years, providing warm meals for those in the community who may not have a place to eat a family meal.
On Saturday, 50 turkeys, 18 hams, 500 pounds of potatoes, eight cases of frozen vegetables, along with stuffing, gravy and pies to top it all off were served up at the Gospel Mission on Leon Avenue to an expected 900 people.
“We like to have a family atmosphere,” said Randy Benson, executive director of the Gospel Mission. “It's a matter of making everybody feel like they have value, that we're all equal in our society and we're all deserving of that fellowship and that time together.
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On Saturday, 50 turkeys, 18 hams, 500 pounds of potatoes, eight cases of frozen vegetables, along with stuffing, gravy and pies to top it all off were served up at the Gospel Mission on Leon Avenue to an expected 900 people.
“We like to have a family atmosphere,” said Randy Benson, executive director of the Gospel Mission. “It's a matter of making everybody feel like they have value, that we're all equal in our society and we're all deserving of that fellowship and that time together.

Strides to End Homelessness 03/03/2018
On Saturday afternoon, just over 200 locals gathered at the Kelowna Gospel Mission (KGM) to participate in the 7th annual Strides to End Homelessness.
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Morningside Rotary Club donates state of the art slicer to Kelowna Gospel Mission 07/12/2017
A broken slicer could have put a serious damper on Christmas dinner at the Kelowna Gospel Mission, but the Morningside Rotary Club stepped up to save the day.
After the Gospel Mission’s old slicer broke, the Morningside Rotary Club purchased a state of the art commercial slicer for the shelter.
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After the Gospel Mission’s old slicer broke, the Morningside Rotary Club purchased a state of the art commercial slicer for the shelter.

Chiropractors Support Gospel Mission 29/11/2017
Chiropractors in Kelowna and West Kelowna have been volunteering for four years at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.
They come to the emergency shelter at 259 Leon Ave. every Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. to adjust anyone who can’t afford to visit a chiropractor.
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They come to the emergency shelter at 259 Leon Ave. every Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. to adjust anyone who can’t afford to visit a chiropractor.

Find out more about Harmony House 24/11/2017
Harmony House is Kelowna's Gospel Mission's 13 bed women's transitional home.
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Shelters over capacity 07/11/2017
All of the homeless shelters in Kelowna are full and over capacity, causing a critical crisis in the city.
The Kelowna Gospel Mission was expecting half a dozen people when temperatures turned blustery last week, but more than they could handle showed up on their door steps.
“We were asked if we could put a few mats down on the floor in our dining room,” said Randy Benson, executive director.
Last Thursday night, 30 people showed up.
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The Kelowna Gospel Mission was expecting half a dozen people when temperatures turned blustery last week, but more than they could handle showed up on their door steps.
“We were asked if we could put a few mats down on the floor in our dining room,” said Randy Benson, executive director.
Last Thursday night, 30 people showed up.

As the weather turns colder, demand for shelter continues to grow 01/11/2017
Long before the weather turned cold, Kelowna’s three homeless shelters were operating at or over capacity, and the demand for shelter continues to grow.
“The fact we’re entering our cold season with our shelters already at capacity is an indication of the great need that’s out there,” said Randy Benson, executive director of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.
The Gospel Mission has 90 beds and is consistently full.
“We’ve been really scrambling to try to figure out what we’re going to do,” said Benson.
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“The fact we’re entering our cold season with our shelters already at capacity is an indication of the great need that’s out there,” said Randy Benson, executive director of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.
The Gospel Mission has 90 beds and is consistently full.
“We’ve been really scrambling to try to figure out what we’re going to do,” said Benson.

1,000 turkey dinners 09/10/2017
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission cooked 1,000 Thanksgiving dinners.
Over 50 volunteers have been preparing for the annual dinner for the past month.
“Our cooks prepared 66 turkeys, 20 hams, 500 pounds of potatoes and of course along with that is all the dressing, vegetables and gravy. Lots of food preparation,” said Randy Benson, Executive Director of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.
Everyone was welcome to the dinner including people who stayed at the emergency shelter as well as anyone who is struggling to make ends meet.
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Over 50 volunteers have been preparing for the annual dinner for the past month.
“Our cooks prepared 66 turkeys, 20 hams, 500 pounds of potatoes and of course along with that is all the dressing, vegetables and gravy. Lots of food preparation,” said Randy Benson, Executive Director of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.
Everyone was welcome to the dinner including people who stayed at the emergency shelter as well as anyone who is struggling to make ends meet.

Golf tournament boosts Gospel Mission 07/09/2017
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission is hosting its second annual charity golf tournament Friday at Sunset Ranch Golf and Country Club.
The goal of the tournament is to raise $20,000 for emergency shelter programs.
‘It’s been a very difficult year at our shelter with increased need and lack of housing available,” said Randy Benson, executive director of the Gospel Mission. “This is a great opportunity to have fun while helping those in need.”
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The goal of the tournament is to raise $20,000 for emergency shelter programs.
‘It’s been a very difficult year at our shelter with increased need and lack of housing available,” said Randy Benson, executive director of the Gospel Mission. “This is a great opportunity to have fun while helping those in need.”


Thanks for job Well Done 08/06/2017
Kelowna Gospel Mission thanked its volunteers and service partners for a job well done, Thursday.
The mission held its annual Well Done Barbecue, serving up burgers at the Leon Avenue agency to those who help feed and shelter the homeless.
“This is our seventh annual ... and it’s a time to celebrate and get together with all the service providers and to recognize the good work that we do here in Kelowna," said executive director Randy Benson.
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The mission held its annual Well Done Barbecue, serving up burgers at the Leon Avenue agency to those who help feed and shelter the homeless.
“This is our seventh annual ... and it’s a time to celebrate and get together with all the service providers and to recognize the good work that we do here in Kelowna," said executive director Randy Benson.

Gospel Mission gets helping hand 19/04/2017
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission’s staff were overwhelmed by the generosity of the Morningside Rotary Club with a timely gift of a commercial steamer to help prepare over 600 meals per day.
The shelter relies on a steamer to cook their eggs, potatoes, vegetables, rice and pasta. They were distraught when it broke down with the big Easter banquet coming up. With the limited stoves and stove tops, they weren’t sure how they would cook the 300 pounds of potatoes that the banquet required. This is when the Morningside Rotary Club stepped in. After hearing about the breakdown they purchased a brand new steamer at the cost of $5,000.
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The shelter relies on a steamer to cook their eggs, potatoes, vegetables, rice and pasta. They were distraught when it broke down with the big Easter banquet coming up. With the limited stoves and stove tops, they weren’t sure how they would cook the 300 pounds of potatoes that the banquet required. This is when the Morningside Rotary Club stepped in. After hearing about the breakdown they purchased a brand new steamer at the cost of $5,000.

Easter Dinner is Served! 14/04/2017
A delicious Easter dinner awaits at Kelowna's Gospel Mission.
Volunteers have been busy preparing 50 turkeys, 300 pounds of potatoes and 21 hams that will be served on Saturday from Noon until 6:00 p.m.
"We strive every day to bring that hope, whether it is to homeless, the working poor or the seniors in need that we serve," said Randy Benson, executive director of the Gospel Mission. "These meals are so important for bringing people together in a family-like atmosphere and Kelowna is a family.
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Volunteers have been busy preparing 50 turkeys, 300 pounds of potatoes and 21 hams that will be served on Saturday from Noon until 6:00 p.m.
"We strive every day to bring that hope, whether it is to homeless, the working poor or the seniors in need that we serve," said Randy Benson, executive director of the Gospel Mission. "These meals are so important for bringing people together in a family-like atmosphere and Kelowna is a family.

Strides to End Homelessness 2017 04/03/2017
With the help of Kelowna Gospel Mission, he’s been clean and off the streets.
Now, this is his second year volunteering at the mission’s Stride to End Homelessness.
He volunteers at the mission almost every week, he said.
“I came here and the staff saved my life so I keep on coming back,” said O’Brien.
He volunteers at the event to meet new people and bring awareness to the community, he said.
“If you show that you’re really working towards yourself, they’ll do anything. I can’t give enough back for what they’ve done for me.”
Now, this is his second year volunteering at the mission’s Stride to End Homelessness.
He volunteers at the mission almost every week, he said.
“I came here and the staff saved my life so I keep on coming back,” said O’Brien.
He volunteers at the event to meet new people and bring awareness to the community, he said.
“If you show that you’re really working towards yourself, they’ll do anything. I can’t give enough back for what they’ve done for me.”

Homeless Battle Cold 04/01/2017
Many people shiver and complain going from their warm home to their car in the morning.
But, what about the homeless, who have nowhere to go to escape the frigid temperatures?
The Homeless Hub recently researched how many people call the streets of Kelowna home.
In 2016, they came out with a study that determined 279 individuals are estimated to be living on the streets, and 164 are living in homeless shelters.
During this cold snap, Kelowna's Gospel Mission is open all hours of the day to make sure the homeless keep warm.
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But, what about the homeless, who have nowhere to go to escape the frigid temperatures?
The Homeless Hub recently researched how many people call the streets of Kelowna home.
In 2016, they came out with a study that determined 279 individuals are estimated to be living on the streets, and 164 are living in homeless shelters.
During this cold snap, Kelowna's Gospel Mission is open all hours of the day to make sure the homeless keep warm.

Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover 17/12/2016
You know the adage “You can’t judge a book by its cover?”
The same is true of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. Drive down the 200 block of Leon Avenue and you may well see a handful of people standing or sitting around on either side of the street.
To too many people in Kelowna, that IS Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.
But nothing could be further from the truth. Inside the walls is a totally different story.
The average number of people we serve in a day is around 200.
Of those, 33 per cent have a place to live and use our services of food and support in order to remain housed. Fifty per cent of the people that come through our doors have an active case plan and are working with a case worker to achieve independence and self-sustenance.
The same is true of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. Drive down the 200 block of Leon Avenue and you may well see a handful of people standing or sitting around on either side of the street.
To too many people in Kelowna, that IS Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.
But nothing could be further from the truth. Inside the walls is a totally different story.
The average number of people we serve in a day is around 200.
Of those, 33 per cent have a place to live and use our services of food and support in order to remain housed. Fifty per cent of the people that come through our doors have an active case plan and are working with a case worker to achieve independence and self-sustenance.

Community Christmas meal at Kelowna's Gospel Mission 16/12/2016
KELOWNA - Kelowna’s Gospel Mission will serve their annual Christmas Dinner to anyone in the community from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 259 Leon Ave.
With the help of community support, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission expects to serve close to 700 Christmas meals on Saturday.
People from all over the Central Okanagan, including many seniors and families, will come to enjoy our traditional Christmas meal of turkey with stuffing, ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls and pie.
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With the help of community support, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission expects to serve close to 700 Christmas meals on Saturday.
People from all over the Central Okanagan, including many seniors and families, will come to enjoy our traditional Christmas meal of turkey with stuffing, ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls and pie.

KelownaNow podcast: Sonja Menyes from Kelowna's Gospel Mission 15/12/2016
KelownaNow podcast: Sonja Menyes from Kelowna's Gospel Mission
It's arguably the most challenging time of the year for the Kelowna Gospel Mission.
Not only is it the holidays, which is a tough time of year for a lot of people, especially those down on their luck, but it's also the coldest time of the year.
Temperatures have been hitting -20C in Kelowna at night over the last few days and haven't been going above zero during the day, which aren't only tough conditions to sleep in, but tough conditions to survive in.
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It's arguably the most challenging time of the year for the Kelowna Gospel Mission.
Not only is it the holidays, which is a tough time of year for a lot of people, especially those down on their luck, but it's also the coldest time of the year.
Temperatures have been hitting -20C in Kelowna at night over the last few days and haven't been going above zero during the day, which aren't only tough conditions to sleep in, but tough conditions to survive in.

Local restaurants bring fare to the Gospel Mission 08/12/2016
Local restaurants will treat clients of the Gospel Mission in downtown Kelowna to gourmet meals over the next several weeks.
The restaurants will bring chefs, staff and food to the mission, and cook up meals for more than 200 people.
“The Christmas season is a difficult time for the homeless and these great restaurants are helping to bring hope for the holidays,” Randy Benson, executive director of the Gospel Mission, said in a press release. “We are so humbled and grateful.”
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The restaurants will bring chefs, staff and food to the mission, and cook up meals for more than 200 people.
“The Christmas season is a difficult time for the homeless and these great restaurants are helping to bring hope for the holidays,” Randy Benson, executive director of the Gospel Mission, said in a press release. “We are so humbled and grateful.”

Kelowna's Gospel Mission serves up Westside Christmas Dinner 25/11/2016
Christmas in our Community is the second annual event sponsored by Kelowna’s Gospel Mission and Powers Creek Community Church, to help bring Christmas to West Kelowna’s friends and neighbours.
It is being held at Westbank Lions Community Centre, 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna, beginning at 5:30pm on Saturday, November 26, 2016.
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It is being held at Westbank Lions Community Centre, 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna, beginning at 5:30pm on Saturday, November 26, 2016.

Community Leader: Sheyanne Smith 14/11/2016
At this stage of her life, the Kelowna Gospel Mission is home for Sheyanne Smith.
She has been living at the emergency shelter since January when her family lost the home that she, her mom, brother and mom's boyfriend were living in.
Living at the Gospel Mission until she can find another form of housing, Sheyanne has volunteered there every day on an average of 10 to 12 hours a day, sometimes more.
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She has been living at the emergency shelter since January when her family lost the home that she, her mom, brother and mom's boyfriend were living in.
Living at the Gospel Mission until she can find another form of housing, Sheyanne has volunteered there every day on an average of 10 to 12 hours a day, sometimes more.

Free Dental Clinic Reopens 09/11/2016
After shutting its doors six weeks ago, the Kelowna Gospel Mission’s free dental clinic will reopen Monday.
For more than a decade the clinic has been offering free treatment to clients who need dental work but don’t have the means to pay for it
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For more than a decade the clinic has been offering free treatment to clients who need dental work but don’t have the means to pay for it

‘You are stronger than you believe’: inspirational Thanksgiving at Kelowna Gospel Mission 10/10/2016
It’s traditionally the Kelowna Gospel Mission’s biggest meal, but this Thanksgiving the need is even greater with homeless numbers in the city reaching staggering highs.
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Mission Accomplished 14/09/2016
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission courtyard is officially open for use.
Leon Avenue has often been cluttered with the personal belongings of those served by the Gospel Mission – causing complaints about the eyesore.
Randy Benson with the Gospel Mission says there was no place for clients to wait for services outside except the sidewalk, but that has changed.
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Leon Avenue has often been cluttered with the personal belongings of those served by the Gospel Mission – causing complaints about the eyesore.
Randy Benson with the Gospel Mission says there was no place for clients to wait for services outside except the sidewalk, but that has changed.

New sheds off Leon Avenue offer shopping cart storage 06/09/2016
Expect Leon Avenue to look a little less cluttered, as new free storage units will give Kelowna’s homeless a place to store their carts and belongings.
The Kelowna Gospel Mission has just finished construction of 12 small sheds, making them available to its clients free of charge.
The mission partnered with the City of Kelowna and BC Housing to construct the sheds, to deal with what executive director Randy Benson calls the “the whole situation on Leon Avenue.”
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The Kelowna Gospel Mission has just finished construction of 12 small sheds, making them available to its clients free of charge.
The mission partnered with the City of Kelowna and BC Housing to construct the sheds, to deal with what executive director Randy Benson calls the “the whole situation on Leon Avenue.”

Cart Storage 06/09/2016
The Kelowna Gospel Mission has partnered with outside agencies to help solve the issue of clutter and congestion along Leon Avenue.
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Calling all Golfers! 22/07/2016
Kelowna's Gospel Mission holds first ever charity golf classic
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Randy Benson has been the Executive Director at Kelowna's Gospel Mission for 15 years. 21/07/2016
Randy Benson’s business is booming, but he won’t get a million-dollar bonus.
In 15 years on the job, Benson has quadrupled staff and serves twice as many clients daily, but that’s not necessarily good news, either.
Benson is executive director of Kelowna Gospel Mission, the downtown centre with shelter beds, meals and outreach work for the homeless and working poor.
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In 15 years on the job, Benson has quadrupled staff and serves twice as many clients daily, but that’s not necessarily good news, either.
Benson is executive director of Kelowna Gospel Mission, the downtown centre with shelter beds, meals and outreach work for the homeless and working poor.

Thanks to UBC for re-arranging their schedule once volunteer dentists responded to our need for mentor dentists! 09/06/2016
Randy Benson, executive director of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, said they were offered the dental residency program by UBC this year, but they need a fully licensed dentist in the clinic at all times to oversee everything.
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6th Annual "Well Done" BBQ! 08/06/2016
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission applauds community partners with barbecue!
The Mission, found at 259 Leon Ave., hosted members of the Kelowna RCMP, Kelowna city councillors and a variety of local social agencies on Wednesday, June 8, over the lunch hour.
Randy Benson, executive director of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, said they set out to thank other non-profits and partners in the area who have helped to improve the community over the past year.
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The Mission, found at 259 Leon Ave., hosted members of the Kelowna RCMP, Kelowna city councillors and a variety of local social agencies on Wednesday, June 8, over the lunch hour.
Randy Benson, executive director of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, said they set out to thank other non-profits and partners in the area who have helped to improve the community over the past year.

Mount Boucherie Students Provide and Serve meal 01/06/2016
KELOWNA – From cooking up soup and hot dogs for lunch, to offering donated toiletries and clothing, a group of grade 12 students from Mount Boucherie Secondary are spending some of their final days in high school getting to know Kelowna’s homeless population.
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